CROSS OVER TO THE BETTER SIDE

New Year Sermon by Pastor Boachie-Ansah

Text: Mark 4:35-41

On the same day, when evening had come, He said to them, “Let us cross over to the other side.” So when they had sent the multitude away, they took Him along in the boat just as He was. And there were also other boats with Him. Then there arose a great storm of wind. And the waves were breaking into the boat, so that it was already filling up. Now He was in the stern, asleep on a pillow. And they awoke Him, and said to Him, “Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?” Then He arose and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Peace, be still.” And the wind ceased and there was a great calm. Then He said to them, “Why are you so fearful? Have you still no faith?” So they feared exceedingly, and said one to another, “What manner of man is this, that even the wind and the sea obey.

Beloved people of God, we thank the Lord so much for all the mercies and favours He granted us during the year. When I consider the strange and horrible things I read on the web, newspapers as well as the shocking news from the TV throughout the year, the road accidents I saw on our roads, the breakthroughs we chalked as a church, the peaceful elections we had as a nation as well as the travelling mercies I was granted, I’m deeply appreciative and agree perfectly with the prophet that it is by the Lord’s mercies that we are not consumed. God is good!

From our passage, it can be quickly deduced that Jesus had a good motive for leading his people to the other side of the lake. For instance, how could Jesus sleep so deep in the midst of a great tempest so much so that the Disciples had to shout hard on him? Jesus wanted to demonstrate that all things were under his care and control because He is head over all things (Jn 13:3; 17:2).

After the ascension, God “put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be head over all things to the church” (Ep 1:22). Jesus was now head (in control) over all things for the sake of the church. “All things” includes all that is of the physical world and all things that are of the world of rational beings. Both the celestial and terrestrial worlds are now under the control of Jesus (Hb 1:1-3; 1 Pt 3:22).

The calming of the tempest at sea was a miracle that was worked in order to prove to the disciples that Jesus has everything under control because He alone has power over nature.

As we take stock of God’s providence in 2024, we should take note of the following lessons from the passage.

1. It is better to depend always on Jesus

Jesus wanted the Disciples to understand that His presence alone is enough to assure them that they are not in danger. Whether it seems to us that He is fast asleep, dormant or adamant to our prayers, He will still act at the appointed time to deliver the Sons and Daughters of God.

2. Life has other sides

One painful truth is that life has other sides. At time it may seem everything is moving on smoothly for us. There are other times that things may seem not to be working for us. Those who know their God should venture to launch out into the deep with the assurance that one Jesus is with us, things shall get better.

3. Man does not stay on the good side always in order to see the glory of God.

At times God uses the troubles from the other side to show us His glory. It is therefore advisable to consider all that come our way as God’s opportunities to be exploited to our own advantage.

4. Your skills alone cannot guarantee your success.

Peter and his friends initially used their fisherman skills and thought there was no need to call upon Jesus. But when the goings got tougher, they called upon the Master. Right from the beginning of the year, you need to call upon Him seriously in prayer. Commit all your ways (business, family, marriage, etc) to Him.

5. Jesus will not always be silent when His people are suffering.

Just as Jesus could not keep quiet for the storm to kill Him and the Disciples, He will not allow anything to overwhelm His true servants. He will surely come to your aid this year.

6. At times, it is necessary for us to leave our comfort zones.

If you stay put without exploiting the other sides of life, you miss so many blessings. Explore new things, new opportunities are available for people who will understand the times and seek directions from God.

The better side of life awaits you. Cross over to the better side of life in prosperity, in the goodness of God. Enjoy the favour God in everything you do, wherever you go.

Thank God that you are alive, and that Jesus is leading you into another year. He is adding a new year to your life. He is opening a new page in your life. Surely your past is over! As we enter a new year, I pray that you make conscious efforts to cross over to the other side with Jesus. Or better still, you need to cross over to Jesus’ side: that’s the better side of life. If He is not the Lord of your life, accept Him into your life today.

Wishing you a Prosperous New Year in Jesus name.

Stay blessed.

©2025 Pastor William Boachie-Ansah

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boachieansah@gmail.com

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